The Ceramics Studio

At The Ceramics Studio students are introduced to hands-on skills and technical processes of ceramics. Professional staff offer instruction in handbuilding (clay construction methods) and small classes in potter's wheel technique.

The Ceramics Studio is equipped with a slab roller and extruder, electric potter’s wheels, glazing materials, electric and gas kilns, and a collection of ceramic periodicals. All levels of students are welcome, from novice to advanced.

The first seven weeks of the term will be devoted to hands-on making with wet clay, with glazing occurring during the last few weeks of the term. One glaze firing may be scheduled halfway through the term.

Fall 2018

The Ceramics Studio opens for Fall term on Wednesday, September 12, at 1 pm.Open to Dartmouth students with valid Dartmouth ID.

GRADUATE STUDENT HOURS

INITIAL COST

Per-term registration fee of $20, includes one-term user fee and starting amount of clay. Register in person, at the studio, with cash or Dash.

Handbuilding: We strongly advise students to devote substantial time to handbuilding, a rich, diverse skillset fundamental to all ceramics traditions. Students can learn handbuilding construction techniques on a walk-in basis during open hours; no intro class is required. Small group “workshop-style” sessions for specific handbuilding projects will be scheduled throughout the term.

Wheel throwing: Potter’s wheels are available to those who have completed “Intro to Potter’s Wheel (For Novices).” This prerequisite may be waived for students with previous throwing experience. Experienced throwers also can brush up their skills in “refresher” sessions. (Instruction details below.)

Intro to Hand Building and Decorative Techniques

$15 for three sessions, plus $12 term fee. Open to Undergraduate and Graduate students. In three sessions several hand building and slip decorating techniques will be covered, with an emphasis on functional forms. Please sign up in person at the studio.

Tuesdays: September 25, October 2, 9 3:00-4:30

Wheel Throwing Instruction

Intro to Potter's Wheel (For Novices): $20 for 4 classes; plus $12 per term user fee.
Wheel throwing is a complex skill to learn and requires practicing in addition to attending 4 classes. This class introduces basic wheel throwing skills. Please do not sign up if unable to attend all 4 classes! Space is very limited! Sign up in person at the studio.

Attendance at all 4 classes, practice time outside of class required for all participants.

Wheel Throwing Refresher sessions for Undergrads: For students who have thrown on the wheel before but need to brush up on skills. To attend, students must register for the term and purchase clay. Offered on a drop-in basis on Fridays, 1:30–2:30pm.

FREE EVENTS

Hands On in The Ceramics Studio– a free event! Come in and make something in The Ceramics Studio! Wednesday, September 12th, 3:30-4:30. Free and open to all students!

Try It! A free event open to all students on Thursday, September 13th, 4:30-5:30. A chance to try “throwing” on the potter’s wheel in The Ceramics Studio!

The Ceramics Studio is located on the lower level of the Hopkins Center next to the Student Woodshop.